Additive manufacturing of support structures
US10988909B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 28, 2019 |
| Grant date | Apr 27, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 28, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P70/50
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
In a general aspect, a method is presented for manufacturing support structures for offshore wind turbines. In some implementations, the method includes constructing a plurality of modular sections that assemble to define the support structure. One or more of the plurality of modular sections are configured to anchor to an underwater floor. At least one of the plurality of modular sections is constructed by operations that include forming a wall along a perimeter to bound a volume, filling the volume with a castable material, and hardening the castable material. In some instances, forming the wall includes depositing layers of printable material successively on top of each other. The method also includes joining the plurality of modular sections to assemble the support structure.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.